a multiple wavelength laser system with
up to 4 or 8 individually controllable lasers,internally combined

Multiple Wavelengths, plug and play

The VersaLase™ System is a fully integrated, plug and play, and self-contained multiple wavelength (up to 4 or 8) output laser module. The Stradus® laser module patented sealed optical cavity and the innovative electronics give the VersaLase™ System unparalleled power stability, beam pointing stability, and low noise over time and temperature. Vortran’s Graphical User Interface (GUI) software allows the user to control and monitor each wavelength remotely via USB or RS-232.

Multiline Laser Systems - A Summary

When power and wavelength are not an issue!

In this summary we look at some of the aspects of multiline laser systems, and why they can make all the difference in TIRF Microscopy, Light Sheet Microscopy (SPIM), Confocal Microscopy and Optogenetics.

What are the main features?

The VersaLase™ System is a technologically dense device. In order to produce the exceptional optical output, it is necessary to consider not only the drive current of the laser diode and the subsequent optics but also the control electronics and temperature management. The VersaLase™ System does this with an exceptionally engineered design.

Control of the laser can be accessed directly on the laser head using compact connector types, connecting to the on-board microprocessor and EEPROM. Temperature management is handled in a closed loop and runs efficiently enough that for most laboratory environments only conductive cooling is required, meaning there is no need for disruptive fan assisted cooling plates.

A key aspect of the VersaLase™ System technology is its exceptionally low noise. This is achieved in Constant Power Operation through careful management of the diode drive current, monitored and controlled with high speed closed loop electronics. Both in terms of long term power stability and high frequency noise, Vortran pushes the boundaries of old industry standards, providing users with exceptional reliability of use.

Most laser-based applications require a good beam quality. This is particularly important in fields such as fluorescence microscopy where the determining factor is often the diffraction-limited spot size. All Stradus lasers and the VersaLase™ System are specified with a high beam quality of M2<1.25 and a single TEM00 spatial mode.

The VersaLase™ System features a unique sealed optical cavity which, in combination with their high speed electronics and thermal management, provides a highly stable environment for the diodes to operate in, improving stability, extending lifetimes and making these lasers back-reflection insensitive.

All VersaLase™ Systems offer analog modulation as standard with typical speeds of 500kHz. Analog modulation input signals can be delivered via BNC connectors on the VersaLase™ System breakout box or otherwise directly into the 25-pin connector on the VersaLase™ System itself.

All VersaLase™ Systems offer digital modulation as standard with typical speed 200MHz (150MHz full-off). Digital modulation input signals can be delivered via the compact SMB connectors on the back of the VersaLase™ System. The signal should be a standard TTL for full on/off modulation and for highest speed performance the signal should have a 50 Ohm input impedence.

As an alternative to digital modulation where a simple triggering option is required, the VersaLase™ System external trigger or Laser Enable function is an ideal option. Running at speeds up to 50kHz, this option can be controlled via a simple TTL signal input on the front of the power supply or directly into the 25-pin connector on the back of the unit. This function addresses the power supply itself and requires no setting changes, making it even easier to integrate the laser system into a wider setup, coordinated using hard external triggers.

The VersaLase™ System comes with a standard USB interface accessible on the back of the unit. RS232 is also available via the breakout control box. The majority of applications can work with USB but for users working with software such as MicroManager, these laser systems are fully integrated using RS-232 protocols.

The VersaLase™ System is provided with an easy to use, Windows-compatible software interface. This software allows users to turn the laser system on and off, monitor their modules status’ and toggle additional functionality such as analog or digital modulation.

All VersaLase™ Systems are available with fibre coupling with one wavelength exception (375nm). Where fibre coupling is available, both singlemode and multimode fibre can be implemented with high coupling efficiencies and stability.